Leeds United’s £5 million man is a permanent transfer target for the club he has already acknowledged he likes – Report

Daniel Farke publicly chastised Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell this week over recent mental health difficulties, and he is already attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs.

Leeds aren’t in the best position to begin considering offers for first-team players, lying seven points below the top two and lacking depth in certain areas of the squad.

However, marginal players who have not received enough playing time have expressed their concerns to Daniel Farke this month, with Luke Ayling being the first to secure a transfer away after appearing in the first team this season.

Charlie Cresswell faces public Farke examination.

Last week, Daniel Farke was asked why Charlie Cresswell was not getting playing time at centre-back, despite injuries in the lead-up to Leeds’ trip to Peterborough United, which meant Ethan Ampadu began at centre-back.

Farke did not mince words about the situation, stating that Cresswell is not “mentally ready” to be a member of the team right now.

This continued into the trip to Cardiff City, where the squad only had one centre-back (Joe Rodon), leaving Cresswell out in the cold in a 3-0 victory.

Middlesbrough, Bristol City, and Millwall want Cresswell.

According to the Daily Mail, the defender is attracting serious attention from Leeds’ Championship rivals, including Middlesbrough, Bristol City, and Millwall.

Boro have already signed a Leeds defender this month in the form of Luke Ayling on a loan until the end of the season, while Millwall are predictably interested following his successful New Den loan last season.

Cresswell concluded his loan at Millwall injured, but he expressed his gratitude for his time in South London, saying he couldn’t have chosen a “better club”.

Cresswell, who signed a new contract until 2027 in August, is said to be worth roughly £4-5 million if he leaves permanently.

Leeds should remain firm and wait for the appropriate offer.

Farke would rather play Ethan Ampadu at centre-back than consider Cresswell right now, which speaks much about the defender’s possibilities.

If any of these clubs make the proper offer to sign him on a permanent basis, the club should consider accepting.

He will not develop in this environment, where he plays second fiddle to Joe Rodon on the right side of our centre-back partnership, and the money could be reinvested.